I think YES!!! I have been thinking lately about what it means to be a "professional"...well anything really!!! Does it mean that you are an expert in your field?? Does it mean that you are paid for doing whatever it is you are a "professional" of?? Does it mean that you are some wierdo person who thinks you are really great at something and, therefore, call yourself a "professional"???
Well yeah...it probably means all of those things!!! Lately, I have been wondering if I could really call myself a professional angler. I have a blog. I write about fishing, and I invite people into my life on a semi-daily basis. I know an awful lot about fishing for Canadian sport fish like Pike and Lakers, but hardly anything about fishing for Bass. I plan to remedy that this year!!
Seems, however, that the only anglers people are really willing to recognize as professional are those who fish on the bass circuit or in tournaments. Is this because they make money from that activity? Does making money and fishing these tours take the passion out of fishing?? Does dependence upon rank for a payday in this tournament or that tournament take the fun out of the game??
Well...I don't know the answer to that question. But after seeing the websites of folks like Tami Curtis Jennings, I am guessing the passion is big and ever present!! I have never participated in a fishing tournament and have never had the desire to change that. It's just not my thing. I respect and admire those who do fish in tournaments, however, and I am curious about their lives and their "jobs". It really seems like it would be the best job on the planet!!
LOL...
I suppose my blog is more like the reality TV of the fishing industry. It isn't my plan to fish tournaments or to make fishing on the circuit my job...or even write posts about "serious" fishing topics every single day. However, it has always been my plan to invite you all to come along on my journey as "The Fisherbabe"...to experience my reality of living a life that includes a love and a top priority of fishing in and traveling to the world's most beautiful and exotic locations. I am very glad to have an outlet to share all of these things with you. I am also positive that we can all learn a thing or two about fishing from one another while on this lovely journey!!!
Today, I was asked if I could autograph a picture for a "fan"!!! I have fans!!! Can you believe that???? Knowing that there are folks out there who listen to my words, enjoy my "reality" fishing blog, trust my knowledge of fishing, and rely on my credibility as an angler to get better or to try something new in their own involvement of the sport...that is what truly makes me happy :)
I am very happily going to pick up my lovely glossy photos to autograph this evening...and from now on, I am happily calling myself a Professional Fisherbabe...LOL :)
Happy Fishing ~
LIZZY aka The (professional) Fisherbabe ;)
My feeling is that one day you may end up being "celebrity" - if you aren't already! So get used to signing autographs! You have a fun and informative blog rolled into one. Keep it up and you'll be on the front page of some fishing mags!
ReplyDelete"Does making money and fishing these tours take the passion out of fishing??"
ReplyDeleteI have heard horror stories about professional tournament fishermen who failed to make enough money and ended up divorced, broke, and hating fishing.
I have also heard about guys just getting burned out do to the stresses/
As for Professional Anglers, don't forget about Professional Fishing Guides and Charter/Launch Captains.
As far as i'm concerned, you are a pro!
ReplyDeleteHey Lizzy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention! You are right on in regards to what makes someone professional, it can be a number of things.
In bass fishing, a "true" professional is one that is respected and positive! You are a "true" professional!
BTW...I have posted one of the response to you questions on my blog:
"How do you fish for bass?"
The next question I'm working on right now! lol
I'm with you. Getting on the pro circuit isn't for me either. It would take all the fun out of it for me if my family's meals and shelter depended on it.
ReplyDeleteBut it's fun being a fishing blogger. I agree with the comments above. A "pro" is anything you want to define it as. You've already show the style and grace of a pro.
Oh, and while an autograph would be cool, I'd rather have a picture of us catching monster pike together.
I agree with Tami. Don't thing getting paid quantifies "professional," it's how one acts, with hard work, dignity, & class. That would definitely make you a professional.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments everyone!!! You guys are the best!!
ReplyDeleteLOL...I think all my blogging friends and all of my awesome friends that fish on the circuit are amazing professionals. You guys all rock and I am happy to learn something from you all everyday!!!
I totally agree with basspastor, there are more ways of profesional angling than just going into the bass circuit.
ReplyDeleteAbout the question,
"Does making money and fishing these tours take the passion out of fishing??"
I think that soon I will be able to give you an answer. At this moment of my life I make to my self the same question, and although my plan is more simple than going into the competition world, I do also have my doubts about if making from my hobby a profession is gonna make my passion for fishing to be increased or in the other hand after going prefessional I will hate fishing for ever.
Hopefully both of us will succeed in making from our hobby a way of bringing home good money, without losing the passion for this sport.
Great post Lizzy. I love your blog.
Ha ha, being "a professional" and "not starving" can be two separate things, as someone above mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI'd say that if you can write off losses (on your tax forms) from any fishing-related venture, then yes, you are a professional!
I'm glad I found your blog & it's great to find other people who are FIRED UP about the outdoors!
I have often thought about this, as you, I have no desire to fish tounaments. I have done it and it is a drag. I am a professional, I am a USCG Licensed Captain with over 20 years of guiding experience. I don't know everything about fishing, there are plenty of fish species I have never caught, although I am trying to shorten that list. There are a ton of guides out there and most I would not consider professionals. It was said above, grace, dignity and hard work define a professional and being able to entertain a group of people on a small boat for 12 hours of slow fishing and having you people leave happy is what makes a professional!!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog and love what you are doing, so in my eyes, you are a professional!! Good Luck in all your endeavors and of course fishing!
Capt Jim Lucas